AirAsia X pilot an example of “what not to say” in a crisis

AN AirAsia X pilot who told passengers to ‘pray for their survival’ has given his peers a lesson in what not to say in a crisis.

AirAsia X operates A330s on its Australian routes. Picture: Supplied

THE AIRASIA X captain who told passengers to pray for their survival after an engine failure off Perth on Sunday will be questioned as part of an investigation into the incident but his job should be safe.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and AirAsia X have launched investigations following the mid-air drama in which an A330 shook violently after an apparent blade ingestion.

Those on board were told to “brace” and say a prayer as the plane turned back to Perth.

Although reluctant to criticise the captain, Australian and International Pilots Association safety and technical director Shane Loney said the incident would be reviewed by pilots worldwide.

“At Qantas, as with most airlines, we tell our passengers as much as we reasonably can, keeping it to the stuff that’s helpful for them to know,” said Mr Loney, an A380 pilot.

“We don’t usually invite our passengers to pray. We know the aeroplanes are well built and reliable pieces of kit, and even when things go wrong once in a while we can rely on the engineering and our training and experience to get a good result.”

An AirAsia X A330 like the one involved in the midair scare off Western Australia. Picture: Ollie Dale

He said plenty of pilots would be looking at the AirAsia X incident, and thinking about how they might handle themselves in a similar situation, which ultimately ended well.

“We try very hard to inform the customers who deserve to know a reasonable amount about what’s going on,” Mr Loney said.

“It’s not our job to keep customers in the dark but there’s a way to put things, that goes to their psychological wellbeing as much as their physical wellbeing.”

Airasia X flight #D7237 (Airbus A330 9M-XXE) from Perth to Kuala Lumper returned to Perth earlier due to an engine failure. pic.twitter.com/eHLTsY4zR2

— Brendan Grainger (@S118869) June 25, 2017

Other aviation insiders took to the professional pilots forum “Pprune” and AvHerald.com to question the AirAsia X captain, and his decision to fly back to Perth rather than land at nearby Learmonth.

“The Captain himself feared for the flyability of the aircraft. When you exhort your passengers to pray in order to survive, it’s time to land on the nearest piece of asphalt,” wrote Capt Kremin on Pprune.

On AvHerald.com, Danny wrote: “It is hard to believe that this pilot was so poorly trained he suggested to passengers in flight to pray and decides to fly past a perfectly safe runway for two hours.”

A China Eastern A330 suffered an engine malfunction after taking off from Sydney on June 10. Picture: AFP/William West

AirAsia X refused to comment on whether the airline supported the captain’s remarks to passengers — which made headlines around the world.

In a statement, AirAsia X described the engine malfunction as a “technical issue”, adding “the safety of our guests is our utmost priority”.

“We would like to stress that AirAsia Group has always strictly followed the maintenance program prescribed by our manufacturers,” said a statement from Communications Manager Angely Cullerne.

“We have also complied with all regulations and requirements as set forth by every country where the airline operates, including Australia.”

The aircraft’s engine is the same type as that which malfunctioned on a China Eastern flight from Sydney on June 10.

The Rolls Royce Trent 772 engine was also involved in another malfunction on an EgyptAir A330 in Cairo in May.

Rolls Royce Asia Pacific spokeswoman Erin Atan said the China Eastern and AirAsia X incidents were “separate” but she was unable to provide further details.

“We are giving AirAsia the assistance and support they need,” said Ms Atan.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it was investigating Sunday’s engine failure on FL380 to Kuala Lumpur, and would interview personnel involved.

The plane in question remained on the tarmac at Perth Airport yesterday.